Tech

In Focus: How #LoveHappens On Social Media For KathNiel, JaDine, And The Rest Of Us

Social media is where we reveal and reflect what’s talked about, what's in the news, who’s controversial, or maybe who’s dissing or kissing on primetime TV. Trending topics on the various social media platforms have become the virtual guide of choice on what's happening, not only for digital natives but also traditional media practitioners who want to stay relevant.

This past week, when Valentine’s was on everyone’s lips, everyone turned to social media to say those sweet nothings, meaningful messages, deeply rooted hugot, or how love just happened in their lives. And as with most posts, there are accompanying hashtags that emphasize the underlying discussion.

And this doesn't exclude your fave Kapamilya love teams, who have expressed their love, support, and appreciation for one another through touching tweets.

KathNiel (@bernardokath and @iamdanielpadilla) and JaDine (@hellobangsie and @JayeHanash) always express what they feel about each other through kilig posts.

And some people have also met and fallen in love through social media. Former It’s Showtime host Eric “Eruption” Tai (@ERUPTION23) and wife Rona Samson (@rownita), who is a fan of the noontime show, met in an exchange of tweets. She always tried to reach out to Eric on Twitter and asked for on-air greetings. This is where their relationship started and blossomed into life-affirming love. Rona and Eric exchanged vows and tied the knot in 2015.

Indeed, more and more people are finding love online. As revealed by Twitter, people mentioned “love” in their tweets 2.5 billion times globally in 2016.

This year, stickers and emojis have taken over, adding zany, cutesy, and bombastic feels to the messages, making it so irresistible for those who are in love. Twitter is set to offer instant emojis once the hashtag #LoveHappens is used on the tweet starting on February 20. You can expect jumping hearts and shrieks more when reading tweets, DMs, or IMs than the traditional greeting card, flowers or chocolates.

Aside from #LoveHappens, other hashtags that Twitter users can use to unlock the new emoji and to spread love are: #bemyvalentine, #bemine, #candyhearts, #valentinesday, #hugsandkisses, #secretadmirer, #SinglesDay, #sweetheart, #thatslove, #valentine, #valentines, #valentinesday2017, #whoneedsavalentine, #willyoubemyvalentine, and #loveontwitter.

Love someone? A social media post, with an adorable hashtag, sticker or emoji, is now one of the best ways to express and share that feeling.